Long-term central venous access with a peripherally placed subcutaneous infusion port: initial results

A new subcutaneous infusion port and catheter system for long-term central venous access, designed to be implanted in the interventional radiology suite, was evaluated. In 35 patients, a 5-F polyurethane catheter was placed in the superior vena cava via the axillary or brachial venous approach under fluoroscopic guidance. A 2.5 X 2.5-cm2 subcutaneous pocket was dissected for the port. The port was then connected to the catheter, and the incision was closed. Ports have been implanted for a total of 5,290 patient days (5-307 days for an individual patient). Blood transfusion, bolus drug administrations, and 5-day outpatient chemotherapy infusions were successful in all attempts. Blood sampling was successful in 98.9% of attempts. No infectious or thrombotic complications were encountered. Acceptance of this device by patients and nursing staff has been excellent. The initial results indicate that this peripherally placed port is a viable alternative for patients requiring long-term central venous access.